Sautéed Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Lemon Myrtle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender Moreton Bay bug tails quickly sautéed with garlic, butter, and fragrant lemon myrtle for a fresh Australian seafood appetizer. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes pairs unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced, lemon myrtle powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined Moreton Bay bug tails to the skillet, season with 3/4 tsp sea salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the bugs, tossing gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Lemon Myrtle take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Lemon Myrtle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Lemon Myrtle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Lemon Myrtle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Lemon Myrtle?

Australian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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